PCB Chief selector denies reports of dispute with coach Lawson

Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 18:06 [IST]

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Lahore, May 28 (UNI) Denying to reports of his differences with coach Geoff Lawson, chairman of selectors Salahuddin Ahmed has blamed media for the whole issue and said he shares a very good relationship with the former Australian fast bowler.

''I can categorically say that there is no substance whatsoever in these (media) reports. It's simply a propaganda wage to malign Pakistan cricket by attributing some of the nastiest things about our relationship with Lawson. In fact, we have very good understanding and rapport with the coach and the captain,'' Salahuddin was quoted as saying by Dawn.

''We always give weight and respect to their opinion regarding team selection. Of course, there are times when a difference of opinion between us arises, but it does not mean that we are involved in some kind of discord.'' ''I can vehemently say that nothing of this sort had happened and nor have I made any complaint to the PCB. Reports in the media are simply nothing but rubbish,'' the chief selector said.

According to the reports circulating in the local media, Lawson had misbehaved with Salahuddin at the selection committee meetings during the home ODI series against Bangladesh last month. The reports even suggested that the coach had questioned Salahuddin's credentials as the chief selector.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin Ahmed also stated that due to the non-availability of skipper Shoaib Malik and coach Lawson the Pakistan squad for the tri-series to be held in Bangladesh next month is expected to be announced by next week.

''Because we wanted to have the input (of Malik and Lawson) before we pick the squad. And since Malik is busy playing in the Indian Premier League and Lawson spending time with his family in Australia at the moment, we opted to delay the announcement until they return to Pakistan,'' Salahuddin said.

''But once they are back, we will sit down for discussions before the best possible squad is named.'' Salahuddin also revealed that the Pakistan team for the Asia Cup, which begins simultaneously here and in Karachi from June 24 would be named after the tri-series tournament ends on June 14.